Abstract

Background

Exercise is beneficial for breast cancer patients during chemotherapy but adherence
to different types and doses of exercise is a challenge. The purpose of this study
was to examine predictors of adherence to different types and doses of exercise during
breast cancer chemotherapy in a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Breast cancer patients in Edmonton, Vancouver, and Ottawa, Canada receiving chemotherapy
(N = 301) were randomized to a standard dose of 25–30 minutes of aerobic exercise
(STAN), a higher dose of 50–60 minutes of aerobic exercise (HIGH), or a higher dose
of 50–60 minutes of combined aerobic and resistance exercise (COMB). Predictors included
demographic, medical, fitness, and quality of life variables. Exercise adherence was
measured as the percentage of supervised exercise sessions completed.